Amber is our 7-year-old yellow lab. She is very set in her ways, but got along with our cat, Abby, until Abby died about 6 weeks ago. Now she is having to try to get used to our new cat, Jet, who is about a year and 2 months old, whom we rescued via the Fort Smith Animal Haven a little over a week ago now.
Since Jet isn’t a baby, and, in fact had a litter of kittens before she was found by the Animal Haven, she is very set in HER ways, as well, making for an interesting and quite laborious ‘introduction’ period. Jet’s area is in the bathroom off the utility room, and has all of her stuff in there, except for toys and the cat tower we got and built for her.
My wonderful friend/cousin-in-law Murray suggested we might put Amber on her leash and sit with her quietly, giving her treats and lots of love while we allow Jet to roam freely, to help them get used to each other. My husband did this yesterday afternoon, to good effect. THEN, because he’s hard-headed, he decided to let Amber off her leash after only one session of this. This occurred with no altercation, thank goodness, except for me lighting into HIM for not letting me know what was going on, plus his leaving Jet’s door open, giving Amber access to Jet’s food again.
This morning Jet was already out when I came downstairs. Amber was outside. I got Jet’s area cleaned up and finished morning chores, then put Jet in my chair in the living room and carefully let Amber in, first behind the gate, and then into the living room with Jet. All has gone well.
A few minutes ago, Amber came into the office to say, “Hi.” Jet was sprawled out on the shelves I use as a computer desk. She stood up and hissed. I petted Amber, kissed her head, and told her, “Place.” Happily, Amber went toward the living room where her bed (place) is.
We may be reaching a beginning detente. I cross my fingers as I say this, because a hiss or too-quick movement might result in bad things, but so far, things are good.
My next project is reminding my husband 1) to NOT let Jet out when he goes out of the house or lets Amber out, and 2) to keep the animals separated when their food or ours is involved.
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